Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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587. To ask the Minister for Health the current average waiting times in respect of cataract surgery for each hospital. [21164/16]

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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588. To ask the Minister for Health the average waiting times for persons deemed as priority in respect of cataract surgery for each hospital. [21165/16]

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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591. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons currently awaiting initial assessment to be placed on a waiting list for cataract surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21168/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 587, 588 and 591 together.

A key challenge for our health system is ensuring timely access to health services. This Government recognises that a sustained commitment to improving waiting times is required, with a particular focus on those waiting longest.

While waiting list numbers have increased nationally in the first half of the year, this must be seen in the context of increased demand for care in our health system. There has been a 4% increase in in-patient and day-case activity in acute hospitals and an almost 6% increase in attendances at EDs in comparison with last year. The key issue for patients is how long they wait. Approximately 60% of patients wait less than 6 months for a required outpatient appointment or in-patient/day-case procedure.

My Department has asked the HSE to implement an action plan addressing waiting times with hospitals and Hospital Groups. This will focus on improving chronological scheduling, clinical and administrative validation of lists and optimising existing capacity.

The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to €15m funding for the NTPF in 2017 to address waiting lists for those waiting longest, as part of a continued investment of €50m per year to reduce waiting times. My Department is currently engaging with the NTPF and the HSE to deliver on the Programme's waiting list commitments.

As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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589. To ask the Minister for Health the current waiting times for outpatient appointments at Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Adelaide Road, Dublin 2. [21166/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.